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Sins and Scoundrels #1
Duke of Depravity
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
A duke with demons and a governess with secrets collide in this passionate tale from USA Today Bestselling author Scarlett Scott...
Crispin Ashforth returns from battle the newly inherited Duke of Whitley with two sisters under his charge. Publicly lauded as a hero, he is haunted by the bitter mission that nearly saw him killed and cost the life of his best friend. He’s desperate to drown out the demons tormenting him by any means, regardless of how depraved.
All he needs to do is find a proper governess for his hellion sisters so he can drink and wench himself into oblivion. Enter Miss Jacinda Turnbow, who is as lovely as she is prickly. It doesn’t take Crispin long to realize he’s found precisely the sort of distraction he needs in the prim governess.
But Jacinda has secrets of her own, and she’s no ordinary governess. To save herself and her father from ruin, she has agreed to infiltrate the duke’s home and search for evidence that he’s a traitor.
Resisting his advances grows more difficult by the day, however, as she discovers there’s more to Crispin than the careless life of sin he’s cultivated. And the greatest danger she faces is losing her heart to the man she has no choice but to betray.
Heat Level: Scorching hot!
A duke with demons and a governess with secrets collide in this passionate tale from USA Today Bestselling author Scarlett Scott...
Crispin Ashforth returns from battle the newly inherited Duke of Whitley with two sisters under his charge. Publicly lauded as a hero, he is haunted by the bitter mission that nearly saw him killed and cost the life of his best friend. He’s desperate to drown out the demons tormenting him by any means, regardless of how depraved.
All he needs to do is find a proper governess for his hellion sisters so he can drink and wench himself into oblivion. Enter Miss Jacinda Turnbow, who is as lovely as she is prickly. It doesn’t take Crispin long to realize he’s found precisely the sort of distraction he needs in the prim governess.
But Jacinda has secrets of her own, and she’s no ordinary governess. To save herself and her father from ruin, she has agreed to infiltrate the duke’s home and search for evidence that he’s a traitor.
Resisting his advances grows more difficult by the day, however, as she discovers there’s more to Crispin than the careless life of sin he’s cultivated. And the greatest danger she faces is losing her heart to the man she has no choice but to betray.
Heat Level: Scorching hot!
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2018
3608 people are currently reading
1533 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Scott
121 books1,561 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
January 14, 2019
2.5 stars.
But after the wonderful hat trick that started with Her Reformed Rake, continued with Darling Duke and ended with Her Deceptive Duke, I certainly didn't expect to be a little disappointed with this one !
I feel a little bad to be writing this review, especially after I'd really loved the author's previous 3 novels a lot but I really didn't enjoy this book. It started out quite well and I was very intrigued after the tragic early scene where the H's best friend is tortured and murdered. It did establish a solid justification for the H's subsequent inner angst and torment but the storyline started to lose its momentum at the 50% marker. The storytelling got a little monotonous at this juncture and the H's angst started to evolve into some serious manbaby manpouting. I had found him very sexy at the start of the story, but I soon grew frustrated with him and his antics.
The good thing, though, is that all of his "depravity" stopped after he met the heroine. Crispin was one of those heroes whose solution for his tortured angst was to drown himself in alcohol and whores' skanky vaginas. He'd blamed himself for the murder of his best friend and the author did a fine job of capturing his inner struggles. I did feel a lot of sympathy for him, even though I wanted to vomit at the thought of him banging a lot of sleazy skanks in his effort to escape his troubles. He didn't have sex with any skanks ( or other women ) after he met the heroine though, so that's good news for future readers who are turned off by this kind of stuff. There was only scene where he visited a brothel and watched 2 skanks get down to some little clit nibbling action, but he wasn't turned on by it, he didn't even get an erection and he didn't touch them.
I liked the heroine a lot. She salvaged the story for me, when I was becoming very impatient with the H. The heroine was sent to be the new governess for his bratty little sisters and to spy on him. I honestly can't recall the details because parts of this story were a little boring. The MC's seemed to be engaged in a push and pull cycle of lust-hate banter and his annoying, bratty sisters were not cute or endearing. They just elevated my blood pressure and I hated most of the their scenes. I soon started to get a little bored of their antics and even the MC's budding relationship wasn't very stimulating. I think I almost fell asleep a couple of times while reading this...
I also think that The Duke of Depression is a better title for this H. He was also extremely mean to the heroine for the first 70% of the story, but that was all supposedly part of his defense mechanism as he fought hard against the onslaught of all the lust she brought out in him. And, he took far too long to take his head out of his ass, stop feeling sorry for himself and act like a man instead of pitiful drunken rake. I have a lot of mixed feelings about this H. At times I liked him a lot, I even felt sorry for him at other times and he was very sexy but I'm not much of a fan of guys who need to become borderline alcoholics and skank bangers in order to escape their problems.
The conflict was also resolved in a rather rushed manner and the MC's first sex scene wasn't as hot as I'd hoped. I must add that the heroine was a widow who'd been fortunate enough to have been in love with her late husband. I am not much of a fan of widowed MC's but at least she'd had a good, but short marriage. Too often, in historical romances, widowed heroines are victims of sexual and physical abuse perpetrated by their villainous late husbands. That often turns me off so it was nice to see that this heroine had been happy with her late hubby.
This author is very talented and she has written a few awesomely sexy and romantic novels, 3 of which I've enjoyed tremendously. But, I've got to be honest and say that I wasn't wowed by this story. I'd been very excited to read this and I feel a little let down...
I will probably get around to reading Nobody's Duke, since I've been looking forward to it a lot and I hope I find greater reading pleasure in that story !
Safety: No cheating, no OW or OM.
But after the wonderful hat trick that started with Her Reformed Rake, continued with Darling Duke and ended with Her Deceptive Duke, I certainly didn't expect to be a little disappointed with this one !
I feel a little bad to be writing this review, especially after I'd really loved the author's previous 3 novels a lot but I really didn't enjoy this book. It started out quite well and I was very intrigued after the tragic early scene where the H's best friend is tortured and murdered. It did establish a solid justification for the H's subsequent inner angst and torment but the storyline started to lose its momentum at the 50% marker. The storytelling got a little monotonous at this juncture and the H's angst started to evolve into some serious manbaby manpouting. I had found him very sexy at the start of the story, but I soon grew frustrated with him and his antics.
The good thing, though, is that all of his "depravity" stopped after he met the heroine. Crispin was one of those heroes whose solution for his tortured angst was to drown himself in alcohol and whores' skanky vaginas. He'd blamed himself for the murder of his best friend and the author did a fine job of capturing his inner struggles. I did feel a lot of sympathy for him, even though I wanted to vomit at the thought of him banging a lot of sleazy skanks in his effort to escape his troubles. He didn't have sex with any skanks ( or other women ) after he met the heroine though, so that's good news for future readers who are turned off by this kind of stuff. There was only scene where he visited a brothel and watched 2 skanks get down to some little clit nibbling action, but he wasn't turned on by it, he didn't even get an erection and he didn't touch them.
I liked the heroine a lot. She salvaged the story for me, when I was becoming very impatient with the H. The heroine was sent to be the new governess for his bratty little sisters and to spy on him. I honestly can't recall the details because parts of this story were a little boring. The MC's seemed to be engaged in a push and pull cycle of lust-hate banter and his annoying, bratty sisters were not cute or endearing. They just elevated my blood pressure and I hated most of the their scenes. I soon started to get a little bored of their antics and even the MC's budding relationship wasn't very stimulating. I think I almost fell asleep a couple of times while reading this...
I also think that The Duke of Depression is a better title for this H. He was also extremely mean to the heroine for the first 70% of the story, but that was all supposedly part of his defense mechanism as he fought hard against the onslaught of all the lust she brought out in him. And, he took far too long to take his head out of his ass, stop feeling sorry for himself and act like a man instead of pitiful drunken rake. I have a lot of mixed feelings about this H. At times I liked him a lot, I even felt sorry for him at other times and he was very sexy but I'm not much of a fan of guys who need to become borderline alcoholics and skank bangers in order to escape their problems.
The conflict was also resolved in a rather rushed manner and the MC's first sex scene wasn't as hot as I'd hoped. I must add that the heroine was a widow who'd been fortunate enough to have been in love with her late husband. I am not much of a fan of widowed MC's but at least she'd had a good, but short marriage. Too often, in historical romances, widowed heroines are victims of sexual and physical abuse perpetrated by their villainous late husbands. That often turns me off so it was nice to see that this heroine had been happy with her late hubby.
This author is very talented and she has written a few awesomely sexy and romantic novels, 3 of which I've enjoyed tremendously. But, I've got to be honest and say that I wasn't wowed by this story. I'd been very excited to read this and I feel a little let down...
I will probably get around to reading Nobody's Duke, since I've been looking forward to it a lot and I hope I find greater reading pleasure in that story !
Safety: No cheating, no OW or OM.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2019
3 Lowly, Lowly Stars
A depraved Lord and a governess spy, plus tons of heat and angst - should have been a recipe for magic.
The start of this was a tad disappointing and the hero grated on me, at times it felt like he was pouting a tad too much and he was rather harsh/mean to the heroine for a large portion of the book. That being said he did get better as the book progressed, kinda. There was a lack of energy to the tale and character interactions
A depraved Lord and a governess spy, plus tons of heat and angst - should have been a recipe for magic.
The start of this was a tad disappointing and the hero grated on me, at times it felt like he was pouting a tad too much and he was rather harsh/mean to the heroine for a large portion of the book. That being said he did get better as the book progressed, kinda. There was a lack of energy to the tale and character interactions
September 30, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋💋
This Duke can be Depraved with me anytime, *hot
A brilliant read and a great storyline to boot.
Yes it’s steamy, yes it has some bad language, but to be honest the story is so good it’s not an issue, and I don’t mind anyway, but you have been warned.
It’s a great story of love, betrayal and redemption. One that is just so good.
Any steam is totally part of the story, he’s depraved, it’s his way, but can Jacinda tame him, bring him back from the brink.
She’s there to find evidence against him, but that’s not how these things work, as we know, and pretty soon it’s him showing her just how sensual she can be.
Will she turn against him ?
Can he forgive her if she does ?
The answers are within, just let yourself be absorbed into Scarlett’s world.
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
💋💋💋💋
This Duke can be Depraved with me anytime, *hot
A brilliant read and a great storyline to boot.
Yes it’s steamy, yes it has some bad language, but to be honest the story is so good it’s not an issue, and I don’t mind anyway, but you have been warned.
It’s a great story of love, betrayal and redemption. One that is just so good.
Any steam is totally part of the story, he’s depraved, it’s his way, but can Jacinda tame him, bring him back from the brink.
She’s there to find evidence against him, but that’s not how these things work, as we know, and pretty soon it’s him showing her just how sensual she can be.
Will she turn against him ?
Can he forgive her if she does ?
The answers are within, just let yourself be absorbed into Scarlett’s world.
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
January 16, 2019
I definitely can not do any better than Ivy's review so am not going to recap...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Gorgeous cover, by the way.
Just a couple of thoughts. The Duke is a gross, arrogant, rude pig for much of the story. I have a feeling this creation is much closer to real Duke's in Regency England than the fictional ones we read about. But as with all bad boys, there is something about him that is compelling. Not charming but compelling. Although alcohol and women are his panacea for guilt and Napoleonic PTSD, he doesn't return to the skanky women after he meets the heroine.
The heroine was more of a problem. She's been blackmailed into investigating the H,
I really wanted her to lock her charges in a closet or short-change their beds as they were awful for most of the book, but they have a turn around as well.
Kindle Unlimited so what is there to lose?
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Gorgeous cover, by the way.
Just a couple of thoughts. The Duke is a gross, arrogant, rude pig for much of the story. I have a feeling this creation is much closer to real Duke's in Regency England than the fictional ones we read about. But as with all bad boys, there is something about him that is compelling. Not charming but compelling. Although alcohol and women are his panacea for guilt and Napoleonic PTSD, he doesn't return to the skanky women after he meets the heroine.
The heroine was more of a problem. She's been blackmailed into investigating the H,
I really wanted her to lock her charges in a closet or short-change their beds as they were awful for most of the book, but they have a turn around as well.
Kindle Unlimited so what is there to lose?
April 7, 2019
Another hard to rate
I really liked this story. The first chapters however bothered me as did the hero. I didn't like him at all. I almost quit the book but I am glad I didn't . This would actually be a five star book if not for the beginning, the overuse of the 'q' word (disgusting) and him taking her to a Cyprians ball. I expected her to be repulsed by it and disgusted that he took her there but she really wasn't. I was more offended than she. I didn't like that the room he took her to was one he had taken the whores to. He knew the room he said that he had been there before and watched the people in the next room while they were fornicating and that part just repulsed me. But I know I am weird. And he did love her. In his fashion. The Hero annoyed me too because when he confronted her she lied. So very sad. It did have an HEA, a dastardly villian, and a surprise twist regarding Spain. But the evil butcher guy in the beginning was horrifying. I could have lived without knowing the torture stuff. But in the end the romance was incredible and I loved the epilogue. And this was pretty much safe. No other women once he met the heroine, he did try though which I hated, but he couldn't do it. Thank goodness. I don't really trust this author so I was glad there was no cheating. And the hero did change for the better. Looking forward to the next two. This is in KU for free.
I really liked this story. The first chapters however bothered me as did the hero. I didn't like him at all. I almost quit the book but I am glad I didn't . This would actually be a five star book if not for the beginning, the overuse of the 'q' word (disgusting) and him taking her to a Cyprians ball. I expected her to be repulsed by it and disgusted that he took her there but she really wasn't. I was more offended than she. I didn't like that the room he took her to was one he had taken the whores to. He knew the room he said that he had been there before and watched the people in the next room while they were fornicating and that part just repulsed me. But I know I am weird. And he did love her. In his fashion. The Hero annoyed me too because when he confronted her she lied. So very sad. It did have an HEA, a dastardly villian, and a surprise twist regarding Spain. But the evil butcher guy in the beginning was horrifying. I could have lived without knowing the torture stuff. But in the end the romance was incredible and I loved the epilogue. And this was pretty much safe. No other women once he met the heroine, he did try though which I hated, but he couldn't do it. Thank goodness. I don't really trust this author so I was glad there was no cheating. And the hero did change for the better. Looking forward to the next two. This is in KU for free.
October 25, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋 - there is an emotional element here that I could really appreciate but I had such a dislike for the hero and how he spoke to the heroine through the whole book that it ruined it for me
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞 (I didn’t find this book romantic….the hero ruined a lot of that for me)
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 - My notes were bad and the library loan lapsed so I’d take this as a minimum
Humor: A bit (especially from the sisters)
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: I didn’t note but I think it’s pretty soon in?
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, a few months later
Format: listened to the audiobook through my library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: I have wanted to read more Scarlett Scott and this series was on audio at my library
Mains: Crispin Ashforth (Duke of Whitley) and Jacinda Turnbow – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first book in Scott’s Sins and Scoundrels series.
Basic plot:
Crispin thinks he has found a governess for his sisters. Little does he know she’s actually there under duress to spy on him….
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency – the prologue is 1812 and I can’t recall how much after this is
- Duke hero
- governess heroine
- children in the story – the duke has 2 younger sisters he is in charge of (ages 14 and 12)
- spywork
- class difference
- former solder hero
- instalust from the hero
- masquerade
- widow heroine
- medium steam? Maybe? – I have this at 3 full scenes but my notes were bad so I’m not sure. Take this as a minimum
Ages:
- heroine is 25, didn’t catch hero
First line:
Crispin faced the most dangerous and feared Spaniard on the peninsula and despite the unease roiling through his gut, he did not flinch.
My thoughts:
I struggled with this one! I can totally get behind a cruel or jerky hero. But this one just took it too far. I was so annoyed with Crispin and how he just wouldn’t let up. The whole book. The things he said really bothered me and I was just so ready for them to NOT be together. There was a point in the latter half that I liked, but then he annoyed me again towards the end so I couldn’t even round up from 3 stars 😅
I was just ready for this one to be over. And I can like Shane East as a narrator, but sometimes he can a bit….dramatic?? And that combined with the way Crispin would repeatedly yell MISS GOVERNESSSSS I was kind of twitching. But I know I could really love some Scott books because she has a lot I could like in romance – this particular book just didn’t do it for me.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 5
Average rating from me: 3.4 stars
Favorite book: Her Errant Earl
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋 - there is an emotional element here that I could really appreciate but I had such a dislike for the hero and how he spoke to the heroine through the whole book that it ruined it for me
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞 (I didn’t find this book romantic….the hero ruined a lot of that for me)
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 - My notes were bad and the library loan lapsed so I’d take this as a minimum
Humor: A bit (especially from the sisters)
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: I didn’t note but I think it’s pretty soon in?
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, a few months later
Format: listened to the audiobook through my library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: I have wanted to read more Scarlett Scott and this series was on audio at my library
Mains: Crispin Ashforth (Duke of Whitley) and Jacinda Turnbow – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first book in Scott’s Sins and Scoundrels series.
Basic plot:
Crispin thinks he has found a governess for his sisters. Little does he know she’s actually there under duress to spy on him….
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency – the prologue is 1812 and I can’t recall how much after this is
- Duke hero
- governess heroine
- children in the story – the duke has 2 younger sisters he is in charge of (ages 14 and 12)
- spywork
- class difference
- former solder hero
- instalust from the hero
- masquerade
- widow heroine
- medium steam? Maybe? – I have this at 3 full scenes but my notes were bad so I’m not sure. Take this as a minimum
Ages:
- heroine is 25, didn’t catch hero
First line:
Crispin faced the most dangerous and feared Spaniard on the peninsula and despite the unease roiling through his gut, he did not flinch.
My thoughts:
I struggled with this one! I can totally get behind a cruel or jerky hero. But this one just took it too far. I was so annoyed with Crispin and how he just wouldn’t let up. The whole book. The things he said really bothered me and I was just so ready for them to NOT be together. There was a point in the latter half that I liked, but then he annoyed me again towards the end so I couldn’t even round up from 3 stars 😅
I was just ready for this one to be over. And I can like Shane East as a narrator, but sometimes he can a bit….dramatic?? And that combined with the way Crispin would repeatedly yell MISS GOVERNESSSSS I was kind of twitching. But I know I could really love some Scott books because she has a lot I could like in romance – this particular book just didn’t do it for me.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 5
Average rating from me: 3.4 stars
Favorite book: Her Errant Earl
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
did-not-finish
April 30, 2021DNF at 20%
I usually really enjoy Scarlett Scott but I didn’t care for this hero. I’m no prude but this was vulgar.
I usually really enjoy Scarlett Scott but I didn’t care for this hero. I’m no prude but this was vulgar.
May 4, 2023
dnf at 20% 🙃
No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to engage with this story or its characters... So far it feels very bland and the way the duke thinks makes me wanna throw up 😑
No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to engage with this story or its characters... So far it feels very bland and the way the duke thinks makes me wanna throw up 😑
March 3, 2019
This was a first time read by this author and I really don't know what to think. The H was practically mean to the heroine most of the book so I chalked it up to it being part of his character for the story and title of the book.
Did not really get into this but I trudged on to finish. A bit disappointed and will need to think about reading other novels by this author.
2-Stars
Did not really get into this but I trudged on to finish. A bit disappointed and will need to think about reading other novels by this author.
2-Stars
July 28, 2020
3.75 stars
All I wanted was a semi-short historical romance full of spies, sexy times and maybe a little bit of drama?
And I got it!
It was the perfect amount of everything to make the story readable and enjoyable. I also liked that the heroine wasn't some kind of delicate virgin that haven't seen the world, but a strong female that has her own opinions (even if she can't really speak of them out loud).
The only minuses in the whole book could be that the whole series is very similar to another lady's that I read in the last few years and the first half was quite boring with the writing. Other than that - loved it!
All I wanted was a semi-short historical romance full of spies, sexy times and maybe a little bit of drama?
And I got it!
It was the perfect amount of everything to make the story readable and enjoyable. I also liked that the heroine wasn't some kind of delicate virgin that haven't seen the world, but a strong female that has her own opinions (even if she can't really speak of them out loud).
The only minuses in the whole book could be that the whole series is very similar to another lady's that I read in the last few years and the first half was quite boring with the writing. Other than that - loved it!
February 25, 2019
1 Stars. I can’t even with this book. I just… GAHH! This was disappointing. And look, I always feel kind of bad posting negative reviews. Because I am sure that Scarlett Scott is a delightful, wonderful, amazing human being who writes many a delightful book, and I don’t want to be a person who spreads hate or negativity, but I just have so many issues with this book.
So, right off the bat, we meet Jacinda. She is a widow of the war and lives with her father. Her father is an intelligent and successful decipherer for the Crown, but old age is beginning to take a toll on him, and he is unable to decipher as well as he once did. Having learned from her father, Jacinda is also a very intelligent and able decipherer, so she has been helping her father crack all sorts of war ciphers and codes.
Then we learn that Jacinda’s father has basically gambled away all of their monies and owes everything to the Earl of Kilross. The Earl then blackmails Jacinda into posing as a Governess for the Duke of Whitley’s (Crispin Ashforth) sisters while secretly searching for proof that the Duke is actually a traitor to the Crown.
Now we meet the Duke. We learn that he is an angry, drunk, war veteran, who uses alcohol and whores to numb the painful memories of the atrocities he experienced as a soldier.
*PAUSE* Look, everyone, PTSD is very real. I know that, I understand that. I don’t want to downplay the fact that this man very clearly experienced horrible things during the war and is coping with it in the only way that he knows how. My issues with him have nothing to do with his psyche. They have everything to do with him being a gigantic asshole to Jacinda, just because he can. *UNPAUSE*
Crispin is an arrogant asshole and is downright awful to Jacinda for like the first, I don’t know, 80% of the book? But still, we’re supposed to believe that she falls for him? Blecch, whatever. Anyways, he’s an asshole because he thinks Jacinda is a sexy lady – sure, because that makes all the sense. They play cat and mouse for a while.
Crispin continues to be an asshole. Until, I don’t know, all of sudden he isn’t? Apparently, she has a magical vagina that cures men of their asshole-ishness. Cool. They start to bone. They go to bone town many times. Jacinda realizes she’s in love with Crispin even though I felt like they had no chemistry. Again, whatever. I’m over it.
There is a betrayal. Crispin finds out that Jacinda is actually in his house for. Jacinda feels bad. Conflict ensues. Conflict is then resolved in an incredibly rushed an unsatisfying manner. Very important revelations are completely ignored and unresolved. Happy ending happens. My anger and annoyance have reached a catalyst. I AM OVER IT! BLAHHHH!
Anyways, I apologize for this full-on rant. As always, all of my opinions are 100% my own. If you liked this book, I am very happy for you – I just did not.
So, right off the bat, we meet Jacinda. She is a widow of the war and lives with her father. Her father is an intelligent and successful decipherer for the Crown, but old age is beginning to take a toll on him, and he is unable to decipher as well as he once did. Having learned from her father, Jacinda is also a very intelligent and able decipherer, so she has been helping her father crack all sorts of war ciphers and codes.
Then we learn that Jacinda’s father has basically gambled away all of their monies and owes everything to the Earl of Kilross. The Earl then blackmails Jacinda into posing as a Governess for the Duke of Whitley’s (Crispin Ashforth) sisters while secretly searching for proof that the Duke is actually a traitor to the Crown.
Now we meet the Duke. We learn that he is an angry, drunk, war veteran, who uses alcohol and whores to numb the painful memories of the atrocities he experienced as a soldier.
*PAUSE* Look, everyone, PTSD is very real. I know that, I understand that. I don’t want to downplay the fact that this man very clearly experienced horrible things during the war and is coping with it in the only way that he knows how. My issues with him have nothing to do with his psyche. They have everything to do with him being a gigantic asshole to Jacinda, just because he can. *UNPAUSE*
Crispin is an arrogant asshole and is downright awful to Jacinda for like the first, I don’t know, 80% of the book? But still, we’re supposed to believe that she falls for him? Blecch, whatever. Anyways, he’s an asshole because he thinks Jacinda is a sexy lady – sure, because that makes all the sense. They play cat and mouse for a while.
Crispin continues to be an asshole. Until, I don’t know, all of sudden he isn’t? Apparently, she has a magical vagina that cures men of their asshole-ishness. Cool. They start to bone. They go to bone town many times. Jacinda realizes she’s in love with Crispin even though I felt like they had no chemistry. Again, whatever. I’m over it.
There is a betrayal. Crispin finds out that Jacinda is actually in his house for. Jacinda feels bad. Conflict ensues. Conflict is then resolved in an incredibly rushed an unsatisfying manner. Very important revelations are completely ignored and unresolved. Happy ending happens. My anger and annoyance have reached a catalyst. I AM OVER IT! BLAHHHH!
Anyways, I apologize for this full-on rant. As always, all of my opinions are 100% my own. If you liked this book, I am very happy for you – I just did not.
January 11, 2021
I finally finished it! 3.5 ⭐
I liked the overall plot, the characters, the idea but I truly disliked that the Duke wanted a governess to fix his sister's behavior when he was the worst of them all. He was way too quick to anger. I understand he went through a lot of horrible things, but I didn't like how quickly he went from calm/loving to anger.
I liked the overall plot, the characters, the idea but I truly disliked that the Duke wanted a governess to fix his sister's behavior when he was the worst of them all. He was way too quick to anger. I understand he went through a lot of horrible things, but I didn't like how quickly he went from calm/loving to anger.
March 11, 2019
I felt so bad for Crispin Ashforth, Duke of Whitley. He was suffering from PTSD after witnessing all the horrors of the Napoleonic war in Spain. He has been sent home because his brother the Duke is dead and he is now the new Duke of Whitley. The things Crispin saw during the war and what he believes has happen to his best friend Morgan the Marquess of Stearle made me gag.
Jacinda Turnbow is a decipher working with her father to decode massages from France. She is forced by the Earl Kilros to become the Governess for Crispin's sisters Honora and Constance and to find secret messages proving that Crispin is in league with the French and was the cause of his friend Morgan Marquess of Searle to be tortured and killed.
As there two paths collide the reader is taken on a very erotic wild ride. This story is very sensual Hot!! The characters are interesting the plot was just Okay, but comes together at the end. At times Crispin was to overbearing always threating to dismiss Jacinda. But she is like a healing balm to his soul. He does very nice things for her. But will he continue to love her when he finds out Jacinda is there to betray him? The other problem I have is I am so sick of Spinster's even widow one. Does authors not know that females married young in Historical Romance times. If every girl was a Spinster they would have no need for coming out seasons and being presented to the court. I hope some HR author soon leaves the Spinster storyline
Jacinda is smart and she figures out who the real villain is and she proves it is not Crispin. The weaving of the storyline was really good and the villain gets his due in the end.
Jacinda Turnbow is a decipher working with her father to decode massages from France. She is forced by the Earl Kilros to become the Governess for Crispin's sisters Honora and Constance and to find secret messages proving that Crispin is in league with the French and was the cause of his friend Morgan Marquess of Searle to be tortured and killed.
As there two paths collide the reader is taken on a very erotic wild ride. This story is very sensual Hot!! The characters are interesting the plot was just Okay, but comes together at the end. At times Crispin was to overbearing always threating to dismiss Jacinda. But she is like a healing balm to his soul. He does very nice things for her. But will he continue to love her when he finds out Jacinda is there to betray him? The other problem I have is I am so sick of Spinster's even widow one. Does authors not know that females married young in Historical Romance times. If every girl was a Spinster they would have no need for coming out seasons and being presented to the court. I hope some HR author soon leaves the Spinster storyline
Jacinda is smart and she figures out who the real villain is and she proves it is not Crispin. The weaving of the storyline was really good and the villain gets his due in the end.
January 16, 2019
Boring
The r is very little story as about eighty-five percent of the text is devoted to sexual thoughts and actions.
The r is very little story as about eighty-five percent of the text is devoted to sexual thoughts and actions.
June 7, 2022
This was the first book that I've read by this author but it most certainly will not be my last. The novel was much more 'steamier' than what I expected but I'm not complaining. It was an enchanting read that I happily read in one sitting from start to finish.
March 10, 2024
Too much of everything else….too much war, too much about the H’s sisters, too much about drinking, too much about whoring, too much about the h’s Father, too much about the bad guy, too much about ciphers, too much about Duncan. Not enough character development of the MC’s. When I read Hr I want all the feels— like the authors book Sutton’s Spinster which is one of my all time favs. This book was definitely a less than book.
February 1, 2021
I loved the lust that the Hero and heroine had for each other. For me, the war part which was central to why the Hero was depraved, was much too detailed. However, the romance and family part left me wanting me to read more by Scarlett Scott for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 7, 2019DNF at 30%
I loathed Crispin. Yes, PTSD exists and is horrific, but this story is just sex and lust. There was very little about his actual mental condition. He was either too drunk to stand or lusting after the woman. It was utterly tedious.
I loathed Crispin. Yes, PTSD exists and is horrific, but this story is just sex and lust. There was very little about his actual mental condition. He was either too drunk to stand or lusting after the woman. It was utterly tedious.
December 6, 2019
Since reading and adoring my first Scarlett Scott read, I’ve needed more. With each book I read, Scarlett Scott works her way higher up my list of favourite authors in the genre, ensuring I will always come back for more. With Duke of Depravity, we have another read I enjoyed but it’s not my favourite book from the author.
In truth, at the start of this one I was leaning more towards a three-star rating. It was interesting, but it did not grab me in quite the same way as other Scarlett Scott reads. Despite this, I stuck with the book. Later in the book, I became gripped. It was not to the same level as other Scarlett Scott reads, but it certainly had me pulled in.
It’s a book with more depth than first appears on the surface, one that leaves a satisfied feeling in the end. It did not wow me to the usual high Scarlett Scott standard, but it kept me turning the pages, and I’m certainly curious to see what happens in the next book.
All in all, another fun read from the author. It may not be the strong four-star rating of other Scarlett Scott reads, but it was enjoyable.
In truth, at the start of this one I was leaning more towards a three-star rating. It was interesting, but it did not grab me in quite the same way as other Scarlett Scott reads. Despite this, I stuck with the book. Later in the book, I became gripped. It was not to the same level as other Scarlett Scott reads, but it certainly had me pulled in.
It’s a book with more depth than first appears on the surface, one that leaves a satisfied feeling in the end. It did not wow me to the usual high Scarlett Scott standard, but it kept me turning the pages, and I’m certainly curious to see what happens in the next book.
All in all, another fun read from the author. It may not be the strong four-star rating of other Scarlett Scott reads, but it was enjoyable.
did-not-finish
April 18, 2020I am revolted by the hero, the language written from his POV is crude and vulgar. The heroine had potential but was in an untenable situation as a governess to the sisters of a debauched hero who abused the power he held over others. I am sure this is the reality of 1812, but I don’t want to read about it couched in this type of language. Did Not Finish at 15%,
February 27, 2022
Basically erotica with juussstt enough plot to make you feel like your not reading porn. So do I rate this as erotic novel (4 stars) or a historical romance (1 star)? I love my spicy romances but just sex without any romance was not what I was in the mood for.
Story : Duke too drunk to ever remember her name, meets Miss. Governess. Wants her, must have her, gets her. Some spy stuff that's quickly resolved and HEA. Oh and there's his sisters as throwaway plot points since you don't even know nothing about them. Romance? They have one real conversation where she acts like a therapist and he decides she's the answer to his problems...he also couldn't remember her name until 50% through the book.
Hero: His POV was hilarious, his thoughts were just sex, sex, sex. Everything she did got the salute from little Duke:
- heroine talking? Erection
- heroine glaring? Erection
- heroine bakes a cake? "For while he had certainly never imagined that a woman’s culinary skills might give him a cockstand, hers did." 🙈😂
I'll give him 1 point for not being able to sleep with whores after meeting Miss. Governess (even though our Pimp- I mean book 2 hero- tried to tempt him with 10 of his girls). And another because he's self aware enough to know he's a waste of space that bullies his staff and ignores his sisters (because PAIN) and doesn't deserve a good woman. But what nobody points out is that he is an alcoholic, he has to drink or he gets headaches, he can't stay sober - he needed rehab not another woman to bend over.
Heroine: I tried to keep liking and rooting for her, I even forgave her for being seduced over and over again, she did enough self flagellation. But I didn't understand how she fell for someone who shows you only the worst behavior unrepentantly. He purposefully bullies her, threatens to fire her if she doesn't spend time with him (employee abuse) and is determined to make what he thinks is an innocent young (virgin) lady into his mistress. At least she had no illusions of a future with him, do you think it's because he said things like:
"You may save your friendship for someone who wants it. The only thing I want from you is between your pretty thighs.”
Her standards for a good man are super low, he shows grief for his dead mother and some love for his sisters, this plus survivors guilt and she's calling him honorable... HONORABLE? WHERE??
She got stupider as the book progressed, culminating in the confrontation with the villain that made me roll my eyes.
But hey, the sex was hot 🤷🏾♀️
Story : Duke too drunk to ever remember her name, meets Miss. Governess. Wants her, must have her, gets her. Some spy stuff that's quickly resolved and HEA. Oh and there's his sisters as throwaway plot points since you don't even know nothing about them. Romance? They have one real conversation where she acts like a therapist and he decides she's the answer to his problems...he also couldn't remember her name until 50% through the book.
Hero: His POV was hilarious, his thoughts were just sex, sex, sex. Everything she did got the salute from little Duke:
- heroine talking? Erection
- heroine glaring? Erection
- heroine bakes a cake? "For while he had certainly never imagined that a woman’s culinary skills might give him a cockstand, hers did." 🙈😂
I'll give him 1 point for not being able to sleep with whores after meeting Miss. Governess (even though our Pimp- I mean book 2 hero- tried to tempt him with 10 of his girls). And another because he's self aware enough to know he's a waste of space that bullies his staff and ignores his sisters (because PAIN) and doesn't deserve a good woman. But what nobody points out is that he is an alcoholic, he has to drink or he gets headaches, he can't stay sober - he needed rehab not another woman to bend over.
Heroine: I tried to keep liking and rooting for her, I even forgave her for being seduced over and over again, she did enough self flagellation. But I didn't understand how she fell for someone who shows you only the worst behavior unrepentantly. He purposefully bullies her, threatens to fire her if she doesn't spend time with him (employee abuse) and is determined to make what he thinks is an innocent young (virgin) lady into his mistress. At least she had no illusions of a future with him, do you think it's because he said things like:
"You may save your friendship for someone who wants it. The only thing I want from you is between your pretty thighs.”
Her standards for a good man are super low, he shows grief for his dead mother and some love for his sisters, this plus survivors guilt and she's calling him honorable... HONORABLE? WHERE??
She got stupider as the book progressed, culminating in the confrontation with the villain that made me roll my eyes.
But hey, the sex was hot 🤷🏾♀️
November 17, 2021
Scarlett is my favorite author let me start by saying that I love this entire series.. This book was the beginning of my journey with Scarlett.. This book is just AMAZING!!! There is nothing I can say that will do it justice other than just please read this amazing book along with the rest of this series!!
August 9, 2021
This author sure knows how to evoke emotions!
December 14, 2018
Duke of Depravity is a highly charged love story with fantastic, passionate characters that held me spellbound until the end! This is one of my favorite storylines of the emotionally wounded hero who needs redemption in the worst way. Returning from the war and the awful experiences he had gone through, Crispen is determined to drown out his demons in whatever way he can. But what he finds is a governess he hires for his two sisters.
Jacinda is not all as she appears and has an agenda of her own. Looking for evidence that will save her father and prove Crispen a traitor. What? Surely not! But as the too come together sparks combust as the attraction ignite!.
An exciting tale that runs the gamut of emotions and delight in her charges, but conflict in her mission. Can she find him not guilty of her suspicions, or will she find the evidence she needs?
Prepare to be drawn into a heart pounding story that you do not want to end! Cannot wait for more in this series!
Jacinda is not all as she appears and has an agenda of her own. Looking for evidence that will save her father and prove Crispen a traitor. What? Surely not! But as the too come together sparks combust as the attraction ignite!.
An exciting tale that runs the gamut of emotions and delight in her charges, but conflict in her mission. Can she find him not guilty of her suspicions, or will she find the evidence she needs?
Prepare to be drawn into a heart pounding story that you do not want to end! Cannot wait for more in this series!
December 27, 2018
Too much, not enough.
Too many references to the hero’s excessive drinking, whoring and guilt coupled with too little development of a story beyond his obsessive desire to get into the knickers of the heroine who is herself, in a tight spot makes for a story that is just bloody boring.
Too many references to the hero’s excessive drinking, whoring and guilt coupled with too little development of a story beyond his obsessive desire to get into the knickers of the heroine who is herself, in a tight spot makes for a story that is just bloody boring.
Want to read
September 16, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/16/2019)! 🎁
April 19, 2020
...am really enjoying this new to me author.
May 9, 2019
Ratings (out of 5)
Chemistry: 💥💥💥💥
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Heart: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
⠀
Mrs. Jacinda Turnbow leads a quiet life. A widow of the Napoleonic Wars, she spends her days helping her father to break French codes. When treachery strikes her family, she finds herself in the home of Crispin, Duke of Whitley, playing the part of a governess. Crispin is a veteran of the war himself. The ghosts of his mistakes drive him into the arms of harlots and whiskey-soaked stupors. But when Jacinda strides confidently through his door, she makes him feel things he thought were beyond his reach. Can they survive the betrayal that would break them before they even begin?
⠀
Let me start by saying this: I love books where women are allowed rich inner lives and equally fulfilling outer ones. Jacinda is SMART. She is talented and clever, facts which are acknowledged, however begrudgingly, by the men around her. She lives her life on her terms, makes her own decisions (as much as she is able), and doesn’t apologize for these things like so many women of her time do.
⠀
And if you love a rake with a tortured past who just desperately needs to be loved by someone, look no further than Crispin. He’s gorgeous but flawed, which I also enjoy. Let me be clear - I don’t have to enjoy his flaws to appreciate that he has them. I LOVE that Scott goes there. Crispin is tormented and seeks any escape and distraction he can get. This resonated. It also means that when Jacinda walks in and brooks NONE of his behavior, we have contrast. The result is an excellent balance between these two lovebirds and a HEA that feels so richly earned.
⠀
If you like Regency romance that, while not high, traditional mystery, has a bit of mystery to it and plenty of tension, you’ll probably really dig this book. Add to that the fact that there are strong women, feisty girls, rakish men, and plenty of heat and it’s a real winner for its kind.
⠀
Kiss and Tell:⠀
By the time Jacinda and Crispin actually hop on that one-way train to Bonetown, you’re so invested in them that you’ll literally be leaning in towards your Kindle screen as Crispin leans in towards Jacinda’s lips. So many passionate, grasping kisses, oral sex, penetrative sex, and women who take what they want without the self-loathing that so often accompanies out-of-wedlock sex in this genre. Yes, please.
Chemistry: 💥💥💥💥
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Heart: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
⠀
Mrs. Jacinda Turnbow leads a quiet life. A widow of the Napoleonic Wars, she spends her days helping her father to break French codes. When treachery strikes her family, she finds herself in the home of Crispin, Duke of Whitley, playing the part of a governess. Crispin is a veteran of the war himself. The ghosts of his mistakes drive him into the arms of harlots and whiskey-soaked stupors. But when Jacinda strides confidently through his door, she makes him feel things he thought were beyond his reach. Can they survive the betrayal that would break them before they even begin?
⠀
Let me start by saying this: I love books where women are allowed rich inner lives and equally fulfilling outer ones. Jacinda is SMART. She is talented and clever, facts which are acknowledged, however begrudgingly, by the men around her. She lives her life on her terms, makes her own decisions (as much as she is able), and doesn’t apologize for these things like so many women of her time do.
⠀
And if you love a rake with a tortured past who just desperately needs to be loved by someone, look no further than Crispin. He’s gorgeous but flawed, which I also enjoy. Let me be clear - I don’t have to enjoy his flaws to appreciate that he has them. I LOVE that Scott goes there. Crispin is tormented and seeks any escape and distraction he can get. This resonated. It also means that when Jacinda walks in and brooks NONE of his behavior, we have contrast. The result is an excellent balance between these two lovebirds and a HEA that feels so richly earned.
⠀
If you like Regency romance that, while not high, traditional mystery, has a bit of mystery to it and plenty of tension, you’ll probably really dig this book. Add to that the fact that there are strong women, feisty girls, rakish men, and plenty of heat and it’s a real winner for its kind.
⠀
Kiss and Tell:⠀
By the time Jacinda and Crispin actually hop on that one-way train to Bonetown, you’re so invested in them that you’ll literally be leaning in towards your Kindle screen as Crispin leans in towards Jacinda’s lips. So many passionate, grasping kisses, oral sex, penetrative sex, and women who take what they want without the self-loathing that so often accompanies out-of-wedlock sex in this genre. Yes, please.
December 14, 2018
Duke of Depravity
Sins and Scoundrels Book One
By Scarlett Scott
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Crispin Ashforth has returned from battle with the newly inherited title Duke of Whitley and two sisters to take care of. The public is calling him a hero, but he is haunted by the mission that nearly killed him and took the life of his best friend. All he wants to do is drown out the demons that torment him by any means possible, regardless of how depraved.
All he needs to do now is find a governess for his sisters that are more like hellions so he won't have to worry about them and he can drink and wench himself into oblivion.
Miss Jacinda Turnbow is as lovely as she is prickly. It doesn't take Crispin long to realize he's found exactly the kind of distraction he needs in the prim governess. But Jacinda has her own secrets and she isn't an ordinary governess. She has agreed to infiltrate the Duke's home and search for evidence that he is a traitor just to save herself and her father from ruin.
As time goes on resisting his advances grow more difficult by the day, however she soon discovers there's more to Crispin than the careless life of sin that he seems to indulge in.
The greatest danger she now faces is losing her heart to the man she has no choice but to betray.
Scarlett Scott is an amazing author and also a new author to me. I must say this lady knows how to turn the steam up. If you are looking for a story of love with betrayal, and ending in redemption well then look no further because this is the book you are looking for. I found the flow of the story to be perfect because it was so sensual, but not vulgar. I was completely absorbed in this book from the get go.
Sins and Scoundrels Book One
By Scarlett Scott
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Crispin Ashforth has returned from battle with the newly inherited title Duke of Whitley and two sisters to take care of. The public is calling him a hero, but he is haunted by the mission that nearly killed him and took the life of his best friend. All he wants to do is drown out the demons that torment him by any means possible, regardless of how depraved.
All he needs to do now is find a governess for his sisters that are more like hellions so he won't have to worry about them and he can drink and wench himself into oblivion.
Miss Jacinda Turnbow is as lovely as she is prickly. It doesn't take Crispin long to realize he's found exactly the kind of distraction he needs in the prim governess. But Jacinda has her own secrets and she isn't an ordinary governess. She has agreed to infiltrate the Duke's home and search for evidence that he is a traitor just to save herself and her father from ruin.
As time goes on resisting his advances grow more difficult by the day, however she soon discovers there's more to Crispin than the careless life of sin that he seems to indulge in.
The greatest danger she now faces is losing her heart to the man she has no choice but to betray.
Scarlett Scott is an amazing author and also a new author to me. I must say this lady knows how to turn the steam up. If you are looking for a story of love with betrayal, and ending in redemption well then look no further because this is the book you are looking for. I found the flow of the story to be perfect because it was so sensual, but not vulgar. I was completely absorbed in this book from the get go.
April 28, 2020
I’ve been reading this series pretty much in reverse. Any order is just fine, each book is a great stand alone. Some stories similar, but with different plots and personalities. Would definitely recommend.
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